Canada’s Trudeau greets Duterte; PH leader says sorry for Ridsdel

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau (left) congratulated presumptive President-elect Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday afternoon for winning the polls. Duterte took the opportunity to apologize to Trudeau over the beheading of Canadian John Ridsdel by the Abu Sayyaf. INQUIRER FILES

DAVAO CITY, Philippines — Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called presumptive President-elect Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday afternoon to personally congratulate him.

Duterte said on Thursday before dawn that he apologized to Trudeau over the beheading of Canadian John Ridsdel by the Abu Sayyaf in April this year.

“Please accept my apologies for the incident that resulted to the killing of your national. We will ty to see to it that nothing like this will happen again,” Duterte quoted himself as telling the Canadian leader.

READ: Beheaded despite P20-M ransom | Canada PM Trudeau says no to ransoms after Ridsdel beheading

Duterte vowed that his government will go after and apprehend the perpetrators.

Another Canadian citizen, Robert Hall, remains captive by the Islamist group and is being threatened of being beheaded unless ransom is paid.

Hall is asking for Duterte’s help for his immediate and safe release.

Among other things, they also talked about ensuring the implementation and respect of the International Declaration of Human Rights, he said, adding that they agreed to reaffirm the partnership and cooperation of both countries.

“We are partners and we will remain partners for all time,” Duterte said.

The presumptive president-elect said he thanked the Canadian government for offering opportunities and protection for many Filipinos in their country.

“Parang citizens na sila and they have very light jobs,” Duterte said.